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Laid out in tiers on the lower foothills of the western Alps, the Hautes-Alpes link part of the former
Dauphiné to the north of Provence. Between the high mountains (Barre des Ecrins 4,102 metres) and the smiling
valleys, the Hautes-Alpes enjoy a sunny climate and an unrivalled light. 1,800 km of long distance
hiking trails and 5,000 km of other footpaths cross the Ecrins National Park, the Queyras Regional
Park and nine tourist regions (known as pays) with varied attractions.
There are two large national parks within the Haute-Alps department. At the meeting of the Northern
and Southern Alps, the Ecrins Park covers one of the highest (the summit at 4,102 metres, with 150 peaks
at between 3,000 and 4,000 metres) and most beautiful mountains of the Alps. 11,000 hectares of
glaciers have shaped deep valleys which fan out in a star. In this tormented landscape, the range
of cultural and natural heritage matches the grandeur of the scenery.
The Queyras Regional Park has over 650 sq. km of open, richly colourful lands, dotted with numerous
villages that are among the most attractive in the Alps. Here, trails lead the visitor through the larch
brushwood to the heights, where grazing sheep contrast with the green pastures and blue skies. Walk among
flowers from Provence and those from the Arctic and the Caucasus...
With over 500km of navigable rivers, the Hautes-Alpes is the venue for a wide range of European white-water
sporting events.
For winter sports enthusiasts there are over 30 ski resorts to choose from, Serre Chevalier being
one of the most popular. Summer activities here include cycling, trekking, kayaking, climbing and
white water rafting.
Major towns include
Briancon
At 1,350 meters it is the second highest city in Europe after Davos. It is built on a plateau nucleated around confluence of the Durance and
the Guisane.
The historical center is a strongly fortified town, built by Vauban to defend the region from Austrians in the 17th century. Its streets are very steep and narrow, though picturesque. Briançon lies at the foot of the descent from the Col de Montgenèvre, giving access to Turin, so a great number of other fortifications have been constructed on the heights around it, especially towards the east. The Fort Janus is no less than 4,000 ft (1,200 m). above the town.
Gap
An Alpine crossroads at the intersection of D994 and Route nationale 85 the Route Napoléon, Gap lies 2,406 feet above sea level along the right bank of the Luye River (close to where it joins the Durance River). The region around Gap is known as Gapençais.
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